The family used social media and the GoFundMe page to chronicle AJ’s journey and keep supporters updated. Their Facebook page, titled “AJ Soars, Prayers for AJ," garnered more than 5,800 likes in less than a year.

Since Peterson’s last message about his son, more than 250 people have commented and even more offered condolences on their designated Facebook page.

Peterson spent eight seasons with the Chicago Bears, playing from 2002-2009.